Listen, there's nothing like a full beat, complete with standout lashes and bold eye makeup. But let's be honest: That's not my everyday go-to. Rather, I'm opting for the quickest makeup routine possible that gets me out the door as fast as possible in the morning. The perfect solution: trendy soft girl makeup that everyone from Kylie and Kendall Jenner to Emily Ratajkowski has been trying lately. Basically, soft girl makeup is feminine, simplistic, and accentuates your natural features. Basically, it's what I wish I looked like when I wake up in the morning. The key to the look? A subtle brown mascara.
“Using a brown mascara in place of the traditional black is a great way to give a softer look, for days when you want a no-makeup makeup, fresh-faced kind of vibe,” says makeup artist Jonet Williamson.
Brown mascara isn't just trendy—it’s also great for beginners or more mature skin. It's "more forgiving than black, and less contrast means it won't pull focus to fine lines or texture around the eye," says celebrity makeup artist Christian Briceno. And it's perfect for fall makeup looks. pairing "perfectly with warm eyeshadows like copper or bronze for a monochromatic effect," says Briceno.
But don't worry: Just because you're looking for a more subtle color payoff doesn't mean you have to sacrifice any volume or length. So many brands have released brown colorways of their mascaras that I've lost track, so your favorite formula may now be available in that luxurious chocolate shade. But if you're still on the hunt for the best brown mascara on the market, read on for the top 11 formulas you can trust for your perfect soft girl makeup day.
The Best Brown Mascaras
- The Best Brown Mascara Overall: Tower28 Make Waves Volumizing + Lengthening Mascara
- The Best Brown Tubing Mascara: Tarte Tartelette Tubing Mascara
- The Best Natural Brown Mascara: Ilia Limitless Lash Mascara
- The Best Volumizing Brown Mascara: Dior Diorshow 24h Buildable Volume Mascara
- The Best Brown Mascara for Definition: Thrive Causemetics Liquid Lash Extensions Mascara
As a contact lens-wearer and all-around sensitive human being, I need to be extra careful with the formulas I’m putting close to my eyes. I'm not trying to be a teary, watery mess for the greater half of the day. That being said, I cannot say enough positive affirmations about this ophthalmologist-tested mascara. Not only does it keep my lashes moisturized and healthy—yes, this is a thing—but it also provides a fluttery finish while defining each individual lash.
Benefits: Lengthening, separating, volumizing
What I Love: Good for sensitive eyes; Has a lighter finish
What I Don't: You might need to reapply throughout the day
Review for MC: “One swipe of this mascara and I fell in love. It leaves my lashes looking defined, wispy, and long, but never spidery. It has a natural look and a lightweight feel, but it still looks like I'm wearing mascara (which I prefer). It swipes on so smoothly, and the curved wand makes application a breeze.” — Catharine Malzahn, Contributing Beauty Writer
Catharine Malzahn testing Tower 28 Beauty's Make Waves Lengthening + Volumizing Mascara.
Haven't heard of tubing mascara yet? That's okay. I'm going to put you onto it, and get ready to be obsessed. Unlike a traditional mascara that coats your lashes, tubing mascara creates little tubes around each lash (think if you wrapped each lash in plastic wrap). This means it's super easy to remove (all you need is warm water), it never smudges, and doesn't transfer easily. And Tarte's tubing mascara lengthens, curls, and lasts all day, even through heat, humidity, and sweat. I trust this mascara for anything from everyday wear to a work event.
Benefits: Lengthening, long-wearing
What I Love: Doesn't smudge; Lengthens and separates lashes
What I Don't: Can look flaky when the tube starts drying out
Review for MC: "Simply put, this is my all-time favorite mascara I've ever tried. Tarte's tubing formula is what originally got me into tubing mascaras, but I still think this one is the GOAT. Whether it's the black or the brown shade, it always transforms my lashes into a long, separated, fanned-out look that make it look like I'm wearing extensions. I don't go anywhere without my Tartelette and I have a backstock of at least three in my beauty closet at all times." — Catharine Malzahn, Contributing Beauty Writer
Catharine Malzahn testing Tarte's Tartelette Tubing Mascara.
Wearing brown mascara automatically gives you that no-makeup makeup look, but if you really want your lashes to look natural, Ilia's formula is for you. This mascara is the pinnacle of "your lashes but better," delivering the ultimate soft girl makeup style that makes it look like you woke up like this. The wand is two-sided, including both a brush to apply the mascara and a comb to separate and lengthen lashes.
Benefits: Lengthening, long-wearing
What I Love: Ideal for no-makeup makeup days; Innovative wand; Eco-conscious packaging
What I Don't: Doesn't give dramatic results
Review for MC: "I was concerned this mascara wouldn't show up on my lashes, but I was so pleasantly surprised when it lengthened and separated them with ease. My favorite part is the dual-sided wand; I use the comb extensively because I love a separated, defined lash look. Don't get me wrong: This isn't your dramatic mascara. It looks like you're wearing nearly nothing, but it really does subtly transform your eyes." — Catharine Malzahn, Contributing Beauty Writer
Catharine Malzahn testing Ilia's Limitless Lash Mascara.
For classic voluminous lashes, Dior's Diorshow mascara won't let you down. Beyond giving a fluffy, volumized look, it also lasts up to 24 hours for totally long-lasting wear. If you have sparse lashes that you want to zhuzh up without looking overdone, this formula is for you.
Benefits: Long-wearing, volumizing
What I Love: Delivers fluffy-looking lashes; Stays put for up to 24 hours
What I Don't: Pricey
Review for MC: "I'm more of a lengthening mascara girl, but I instantly fell in love with this volumizing formula from Dior. It leaves my lashes looking so naturally full, and the subtle brown shade makes them look even softer. It makes my lashes look how I wish they did when I roll out of bed." — Catharine Malzahn, Contributing Beauty Writer
Catharine Malzahn testing Dior's Diorshow 24h Buildable Volume Mascara.
Another tubing mascara, Thrive Causemetics' formula is easy to swipe on and even easier to remove (seriously, all you need is warm water—no makeup remover necessary). The tubing innovation also makes it water-resistant for long-lasting wear. While many other mascaras are true brown, this is a black-brown shade, which gives a more dramatic look.
Benefits: Long-wearing, lengthening, separating
What I Love: Easy to remove; Doesn't smudge or flake
What I Don't: Very wet formula that takes time to dry down
Review for MC: "Of all the brown mascaras I've tried, this one deposits the most color onto my lashes. It separates my lashes really nicely and they hold a curl nicely with this formula. I prefer a stiffer, thinner wand, and this one delivers. It's a great everyday mascara that is easy to remove." — Catharine Malzahn, Contributing Beauty Writer
Catharine Malzahn testing Thrive Causemetics' Liquid Lash Extensions Mascara.
While most mascara wands look like a thick wand, this game-changing micro-spoolie is much thinner. Like, I'm talking slightly thicker than a toothpick. Why does this matter, though? It means that you can define every single hair and really get detailed with your mascara application, especially on tough areas like inner corners and lower lashes. And you won't have to worry about getting the color all over your lids. Win-win.
Benefits: Separating, Detailing
What I Love: Micro-spoolie makes mascara application mess-free; Well-priced
What I Don't: May be better used as a primer or combined with another mascara to deliver results
Customer Review: "Living at the beach, mascara that stays put and doesn't clump or run in the heat is a must. This one fits the bill. And, it manages to find all the little lashes and make them pop." Ulta
With a slim wand and shorter bristles, you can right to the root of your lashes using this Iconic London mascara. The result? Super elongated, lifted, and thicker-looking lashes. And coming in under $25, it's a steal compared to other luxury formulas. I'm sold!
Benefits: Lengthening, lifting
What I Love: Short bristles make it easier to apply mascara from the root of the lashes; Bargain price
What I Don't: Clumps on some users
Customer Review: "Great mascara! A product that gives thickness and length to lashes, doesn't smudge, stays all day and washes off easily!" — Amazon
With a deep black, cobalt blue, and deep rich brown, YSL’s Lash Clash Mascara comes in a shade for every possible makeup vibe. Its hallmark feature is its massive mascara brush: It gives the wand a sturdy feel in your hand, while also ensuring every single lash gets its fair share of length. “This is able to coat naturally dark lashes without getting clumpy,” Williamson explains.
When chasing a soft makeup look, I’ve personally found that one quick layer of product is the way to go. As a rule of thumb, I like to wear three coats at most even when chasing a more dramatic aesthetic. (Flaking isn’t fun.)
Pros: Makeup artist-approved; Three color options
Cons: Can flake if you use too much
Customer Review: “I love this mascara for my upper lashes. It leaves my lashes voluminous and long. It's long lasting and there is no makeup transfer to my eye lids!” — Sephora
Too Faced head of global makeup Elyse Reneau says she hasn't been able to put down the brand's shade of Better Than Sex mascara. Just like the original cult-favorite, it'll give you the same volume, length, and long-hold curl, but just with softer color.
Benefits: Volumizing, lengthening
What I Love: Makeup artist-approved; Defines and curls
What I Don't: Can look a little clumpy
Review for MC: "This warm chocolate looks beautiful on all eye colors and makes for a softer daytime look. It also performs, so you won’t have to give up on the volume, length or curl you get from the original Better Than Sex Mascara. It’s giving: I was born with long lashes.” — Elyse Reneau, Too Faced Head of Global Makeup
Drugstore mascaras can go to bat with luxury alternatives. Don’t believe me? Spend a grand total of $12 and put this L’Oréal Paris miracle-worker to the test. The OG formula, which is one of Williamson’s favorites, has endured for decades—and for good reason. The densely packed mascara fibers create unbelievable density along your lashes. It provides a bit of a dramatic finish even in a soft girl shade, building your eyelashes to five times their natural thickness.
Benefits: Volumizing
What I Love: Makeup-artist approved; Curved wand makes mascara easy to apply
What I Don't: Can be a little flaky
Customer Review: “I love this mascara. I've tried various different mascaras over the years at price points all over the board and none of them compare to this one. The shape of the wand is the best, makes it super easy to apply. Goes on evenly and doesn't clump. Gives a nice thick look without getting spider web-y. Stays on all day and rarely smudges. I only notice that it will flake when it's about time for a new tube and is getting dry.” — Ulta
For a truly buildable formula that can achieve both the soft girl aesthetic and a bolder, more glam alternative, consider scooping up this Gucci Westman-approved mascara. It comes with a pigment on the intense side, but because of the brushes' unique design, it deposits just a little bit of product per swipe. The formula is creamy at first, which makes building up the finish sans flaking an easy feat. At the same time, it dries down and locks in after a minute or two so you won’t have to worry about smudging or flaking.
Benefits: Volumizing, lengthening
What I Love: Buildable formula; Won’t smudge or run
What I Don't: Tube dries out more quickly than others
Customer Review: “Love this mascara so much! It separates, lengthens and volumizes while looking clean and natural. Haven’t had any problems with clumping or flaking. Huge fan.” — Sephora
What to Look For in a Brown Mascara
Undertone
While you can absolutely pick whichever shade of brown mascara your heart desires, undertone is important. Those with warmer undertones (think: golden or yellow) can reach for warm, rich browns, whereas those with cooler undertones (e.g., red or pink) might want to consider cooler, redder browns. “For someone with a warmer undertone, the YSL Lash Clash Mascara in Uninhibited Brown is a great option because of its warm and rich hue,” Williamson recommends. “If you have more of a cool or neutral undertone, Tower28 MakeWaves Mascara in Drift would be perfect. It's more of a cool espresso tone.”
Formula
Switching up your mascara’s shade shouldn’t affect its quality. “Look for a formula that can deliver volume, length and curl that stays lifted,” Reneau recommends. “Just because you are choosing a softer shade than black, doesn’t mean you shouldn’t get the same results.”
Should You Wear Brown Mascara?
Trying to figure out who should wear brown mascara and who it looks best on? Good news: The answer is easy—pretty much anyone can. "Brown mascara is flattering on virtually every eye color," says Briceno. "But it’s my favorite to use on clients with lighter hair color lashes or clients with fair skin, and if you have green or hazel eyes, brown mascara can also bring those shades out."
Brown mascara is more than just soft girl makeup. "It’s ideal for more mature eyes, where black can sometimes feel too stark," says Briceno.
Plus, if you have lighter hair, like blonde, light brunette, or redhead, brown mascara may "look more seamless and flattering," he says. "Essentially, it’s for anyone who wants to define the lashes without creating heavy contrast."
How We Tested
To update this story, Contributing Beauty Writer Catharine Malzahn interviewed a makeup artist to learn more about what to look for in a brown mascara, who should wear brown mascara, and more. To evaluate the 11 best brown mascaras, she took into consideration aspects like how well it lengthened, volumized, and separated her lashes, if it clumped, how long it took to dry down, and more. As a mascara fanatic, she's tried many of the products included and trusts them with any of her makeup looks.
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Meet the Experts
Makeup Artist, Jonet Williamson discovered her love for art at a very early age. While growing up in New Orleans, one of the world's most eclectic and inspiring cities, Jonet was admitted into the gifted art program of her magnet high school. Here is where she began to master color theory, symmetry, texture, and innovation. From paint brushes to makeup brushes, she has used those same skills to solidify her style as a pro within the beauty industry.
In 2005, Jonet began her journey in beauty working as a makeup artist for M.A.C. Cosmetics. Here the feeling of connecting with other women and helping them see the beauty within themselves became her greatest passion.
With a willingness to learn and an eye for perfection Jonet moved to New York City in 2014 determined to further her artistry and career. Since then, her work has been featured in commercial campaigns (Dolce Gabanna, Levis, Shea Moisture), editorials (Essence, L'Officiel), and tv film productions (CBS, MTV, TNT).
Drawing influence from the art of painting her style is a fusion of hyper real skin, modern beauty elements, and abstract expressionism. Jonet Williamson also works closely with brands on content creation (Revlon, Shiseido, L'Oréal, Beauty Counter) and product development. If you follow her online you can expect to see lots of fresh skin, a vibrant use of color, striking graphic liner shapes, and soft glam looks fit for a red carpet.
Elyse Reneau is an accomplished makeup artist with more than 20 years of experience in the industry. Her artistry has been showcased on stars from the hit shows SNL, Orange is the New Black, The Big Bang Theory, The Walking Dead, E! Network’s Fashion Police, and The Bachelorette. Her passion in life is empowering people through makeup and inspiring confidence. Her tips and tricks have been featured in Allure, Glamour, The New York Times, The Zoe Report, Bustle, Birdie, and more.
Christian Briceno is a NYC-based celebrity and editorial makeup artist. He has worked on top shows including Schiaparelli, Chanel, and Jean Paul Gaultier and with celebrities including Storm Reid, Debi Mazar, Indya Moore and Coco Rocha.
